NEWS RELEASE
Media Contact:
Shiara Dávila-Morales, Chief
Media Relations Division
213-974-3525
[email protected]
Twitter: @LADAOffice
May 8, 2014
Man Posing as Immigration Attorney Charged with Grand Theft,
Unlawful Practice of Law
A 53-year-old man accused of practicing law without a license and bilking immigrant clients out of
thousands of dollars for services that were never rendered has been charged with multiple felony
counts, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced.
Michael John Hernandez (dob 11/26/60) of Hacienda Heights pleaded not guilty today to nine counts
in case BA424115. Hernandez returns for a preliminary hearing setting on June 9.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey commended the work of the Justice System
Integrity Division and the Bureau of Investigation for the criminal filing.
“To betray the trust of these victims and cheat them out of hard-earned money is heartless,” District
Attorney Lacey said. “Any person practicing law without a license in Los Angeles County – especially
those who target vulnerable immigrant populations – will be identified and vigorously prosecuted.”
The defendant is charged with six counts of grand theft of personal property, two counts of
unauthorized practice of law and one count of perjury by declaration.
Hernandez, who previously practiced law in Florida, maintained a law office in the unincorporated
community of Hacienda Heights where he specialized in immigration matters, the prosecutor said.
The alleged offenses involve four victims and occurred between Jan. 1, 2011 and Dec. 31, 2013. A loss
of approximately $16,000 is attributed to the defendant.
Hernandez, who allegedly targeted individuals with immigration issues, purportedly engaged in a
pattern of financial fraud against clients who paid for legal services which were not rendered.
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Hernandez has never been a member of the State Bar of California, according to the prosecutor. The
felony complaint was filed for arrest warrant on May 2.
If convicted as charged, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in state prison to be
served in county jail.
Deputy District Attorney Oscar Plascencia of the Justice System Integrity Division is assigned to the
case. The case remains under investigation by Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Bureau of
Investigation.
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About the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office
Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey leads the largest local prosecutorial office in the nation. Her
staff of nearly 1,000 attorneys, 300 investigators and 800 support staff members is dedicated to seeking justice
for victims of crime and enhancing public safety. Last year, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's
Office prosecuted more than 73,000 felony defendants and 113,000 misdemeanor defendants.